Lawyer calls for reprieve in cases vs Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, husband Mike

The former election lawyer of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday reiterated calls for the suspension of all proceedings against the former President and her husband, Mike Arroyo, because of the couple’s medical condition.

“Because of their present emotional and physical condition, I thinks it’s only proper that we give them the chance to recover first so that eventually, they could defend themselves, talk properly to their lawyers, and directly to the media or whoever who wants to talk to them,” Romulo Macalintal told reporters at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City.

“But in the meantime, I would like to appeal for the suspension of all proceedings against them,” said Macalintal, who was one of those who attended Tuesday’s healing Mass at the hospital chapel for Arroyo, now a Pampanga representative.

Healing Masses have been held for the former leader since Saturday.

Without naming names, Macalintal took a dig at Arroyo’s critics who said that they would give her a fair treatment.

“Nobody should ask that she be given a fair treatment because that is expected in any investigation,” Macalintal said.

He described as baseless the justice department’s inclusion of Arroyo on the Bureau of Immigration watch list because of plunder complaints filed against her.

Asked about Arroyo’s condition, Macalintal said he and the others who attended the Mass were not able to see or talk to her.

Macalintal said at least five guest books where well-wishers could write their messages for Arroyo were being circulated.

“The family said they’re letting her read the messages. It’s a good way to boost her morale and let her know that we’re praying for her,” the lawyer said.

Apart from family members, friends and officials of the previous administration, among those who attended the Mass were Arroyo’s classmates at the Assumption College.

“It’s so touching to see everybody in a spirit of compassion,” said former Tourism Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion. “She must be going through a lot of pain and suffering so we must have compassion.”

Carrion said she and Arroyo were classmates in grade school.

Arroyo was brought to the hospital on July 25 for a pinched nerve in her spine. She has since undergone surgery twice to correct the condition.

The emergency reconstructive surgery was called off after surgeons discovered an infection in her cervical spine where a titanium implant was placed.

Arroyo’s doctors are considering a third surgery after the second one failed.